Every parent wants to give their child the healthiest start possible — and that includes caring for their heart. At Atrium Health Levine Children’s, families now have access to a one-of-a-kind program focused on prevention of and early support, tailored specifically for kids and adolescents.
Atrium Health Levine Children’s is home to the only pediatric preventive cardiology program in Charlotte. Whether it’s guidance on nutrition, emotional support or understanding inherited risks, the care team is here to be your child’s guide.
Led by Dr. Jacob Hartz, director of preventive cardiology at Atrium Health Levine Children’s, the team includes dietitians, social workers and psychologists who work together to support your child’s heart health in a way that feels personal and reassuring.
If you’ve ever wondered what heart health looks like for your child — or whether family history might play a role — you’re not alone. More parents are asking these questions earlier, and we are here to help answer them.
Why prevention matters
Some children are born with genetic conditions that increase their risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other factors that can lead to heart disease later in life. Often, there are no symptoms at all, but the risk is there and can be determined with simple blood tests.
That’s where preventive cardiology comes in. By identifying these risks early, families can take steps that may have a lasting impact. In fact, research shows that starting treatment in childhood can lower the chance of a heart attack by up to 50% later on.
Hartz shares that while the program is designed with long-term health in mind, the benefits often begin right away. The team helps families understand what their child’s test results mean and what to do next, often bringing clarity and peace of mind after a period of uncertainty. Most importantly, they work with parents to create a care plan that fits their child’s needs and aligns with their family’s values.
"These conditions don’t just begin in adulthood, they just show up then,” says Hartz. “When we step in early, we have a real chance to change the outcome.”
Who should consider screening?
If heart disease runs in your family, or if a parent has high cholesterol, it's natural to wonder what that might mean for your child. Early screening can offer helpful answers.
One approach, called cascade screening, involves testing a child after a parent is diagnosed. It’s a simple step that can provide peace of mind and a clearer picture of your child’s heart health.
Testing is simple and safe, and treatments, if needed, are tailored to each child’s age and health. In some cases, therapies can start as early as 6 or 7 years old, helping to set your child on a healthier path from the start. And because heart health is important at every stage of development, the team also sees patients well into their teens, ensuring older children receive care that’s personalized and age-appropriate.
“Parents want to do what’s best for their children,” Hartz says. “We’re here to help them make informed decisions — not just start treatment. Our goal is to help families build a road map going forward that’s specific to their children and reflects their values and concerns.”
What to expect
We know that new appointments can come with a lot of questions, especially when it involves your child’s heart. Here’s what a typical visit looks like:
- Length: Appointments usually last between 30 and 60 minutes.
- Team-based care: You’ll start with a specialized nurse, followed by time with a dietician and then the provider.
- Clear communications: Families leave with a full understanding of what the results mean and what steps come next.
- Personalized plans: Care may include lifestyle guidance, medication, regular monitoring and coordination with your child’s pediatrician.
“We want families to leave with a clear understanding of what causes heart disease,” Hartz says. “Whether they’re well-versed in heart health or just beginning to learn, we meet them where they are as a resource and a partner in their journey.”
Making a difference for the future
For families navigating the uncertainty of heart health, this program offers more than just medical care, it provides peace of mind. Whether it’s helping a child build lifelong habits or catching a genetic condition before symptoms appear, the team is focused on partnering with patients and their families to create lasting change.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see patients make improvements that will benefit them for life,” Hartz says. “Especially when they begin to understand the value of those changes or see improvements first-hand.”
Hartz says one of the most meaningful parts of the work is knowing that these early interventions may prevent serious complications years down the road.
“We hold the perspective that we’re planting trees we may never see grow,” Hartz says. “But knowing we’ve helped a child build lifelong habits or catch a genetic condition before symptoms appear — that’s why we do this work.”
Learn more about the pediatric preventive cardiology program at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Congenital Heart Center.
